If there’s something we can all relate to, it’s the relentless journey to find products that will give us Facetuned-looking skin. In case it wasn’t already obvious, all of the facial cleansers, primers, and toners aren’t enough to produce results overnight. This is clearly an issue since we’re impatient af and would much rather never leave the house again than let people to see a zit the size of a small country on our faces. If you’re looking to amp up your skincare routine, you’ll need an exfoliating scrub to achieve flawless, glowing skin. Not all of them need to be harsh enough to rip your skin off, though. It’s fucking winter, so obviously, that’s the last thing we need for our already dry skin. Thanks to me, obvi, these exfoliators are suitable for *all* skin types and work their magic in no more than 30 minutes for visible results even your mailman will notice.
1. OLEHENRIKSEN Pore-Balance Facial Sauna Scrub
Inspired by the feeling of entering a sauna, this dual-action scrub instantly warms up your face to really deep clean your pores and loosen dead skin cells, while absorbing excess oil so your skin is left feeling refreshed with the slightest cooling sensation. It’s full of like, a bunch of natural plants like algae, moss, and green tea, so it’s super gentle and provides a healthy, natural-looking glow.
2. Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Facial Wash
Both an exfoliating wash and peel treatment, this delivers noticeable results after 30 seconds. Seriously. It consists of micro-exfoliating beads that gently remove irritated dead skin cells and nasty grime, so your face looks immediately brighter, smoother, and clearer. Whether you’re acne prone or experiencing fugly wrinkles, this works wonders on everyone.
3. Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
This isn’t nicknamed “Hollywood’s two-minute facial” for nothing. Adored by some of our fave celebs that we stalk on Insta, the rinse-off exfoliating treatment works within two minutes of your first use. Full of healthy shit we actually like (i.e. pineapple and pumpkin), the treatment removes dead skin without irritating or drying it out. Pro tip: Using it in a hot shower with steam will only enhance the results and make you feel as though you just got a spa-quality facial in your own bathroom.
4. MURAD AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Formulated with three powerful (but v healthy) exfoliating acids and “skin-polishing” beads, this cleanser scrubs off dull, aging skin to reveal a younger, hotter, glowing you. Although it consists of beads, the cleanser also attracts water molecules to your skin so it never dehydrates or over-dries your face.
5. Mario Badescu Strawberry Face Scrub
First of all, Mario is a fucking saint when it comes to skincare products. Second of all, I’m sorry in advance for getting you obsessed. I recently have been buying everything in his line and my skin has never hated me since. For a semi-weekly treatment in between your normal routine, use this scrub to smoothen and soften your skin. It helps keep your skin clean of gross bacteria, and it’s only an added bonus that it smells like a strawberry field.
If we’re being technical, summer doesn’t officially start until next week but as of late, it’s been hot as fuck. Like, so disgustingly hot, I can’t even breathe when I step one foot out of my house. Since you obviously understand my pain, you know this heat fucks up your beauty routine big time. You can look so good that it only takes you like, 5,709 three times to nail a solid selfie (which basically never happens), but the second you leave, it’s game over. If you’re like me, sweat starts to come out of pores I didn’t even know existed, ruining my v expensive life makeup—and then to make matters worse, I start turning red. And, not in the cute “you’re blushing, you totally have a crush on that guy” way either. Until it becomes somewhat tolerable to carry those mini portable fans with you on all times, I’m just going to prep myself by repeatedly sticking my face in a freezer. Well, not literally, but these lifesaving cooling facial masks make you feel just as refreshed so like, try them if you plan on dartying all summer.
1. Eve Lom Rescue Mask
Get rid of oily grossness, awkward blotchiness, and sweat-inducing breakouts with this clay facial treatment. It’s designed to cleanse your pores, absorb excess oil, and reduce puffiness. Apply evenly, leave on for like, 15 minutes, and let the cooling ingredients work their magic.
2. The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Clay Mask
If you have a love/hate relationship with the sun because it causes wrinkles and skin irritation, this mask is perfect for you. Designed for sensitive skin, this tea tree oil stuff immediately cools you down after a day spent in the heat and clears any imperfections you suffered. Use after removing your makeup and washing your face to really get a deep cleanse.
3. Boscia Cool Blue Calming Mask
For those god-awful facial sunburns that make it hurt when you blink, this peel-off mask will quickly become a summer must-have if this sounds all too familiar to you. The mask helps hydrate all skin types by soothing swollen AF areas and restoring the skin’s elasticity. With a peppermint-derived ingredient (something starting with an F that I can’t pronounce), your face will feel refreshing and ice cold, like your heart.
4. Mario Badescu Calma Mask
Making lives easier for dozens of makeup artists, Badescu’s shit is so good for a reason. Hydrate any dry, flaky skin with this gentle mask. It’s infused with calamine to quickly relieve your skin.
5. Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask Extreme Detoxifying Hydrator
Honestly, this is like a smoothie in a jar. With natural extracts including cucumber, papaya, and pineapple (there’s a shit ton more), the mask is ideal if you laid outside working on your tan. It helps calm and cool your skin after intense sun exposure. For best cooling results, store in the fridge before use and if you’re feeling needy, feel free to leave it on overnight.
